WARNING: members of the public are being contacted by people claiming to work for AXA Investment Managers UK Limited. Find out more information and what to do by clicking here.
Protect yourself from fraud
Read our tips to help you keep your personal data safe
Protect yourself from fraud
What you need to know
Fraudsters are always finding new ways to defraud our clients and members of the public. Here is what to remember:
- We will never initiate unsolicited communication to clients or members of the public.
- We will never ask clients or members of public to provide their account or personal details outside our secure process or request to transfer funds to offshore bank accounts.
- We will not promote our product or services through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.
- Any investment advertising released by AXA Investment Managers UK will lead to our official websites of www.axa-im.co.uk or www.axa-im.com for individuals to obtain further details and supporting materials.
- Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or letters that claim to provide extremely lucrative investment opportunities or discounts. Whenever you find yourself wondering, "This sounds too good to be true" it likely is!
- Unsolicited written communication may have spelling mistakes or poor grammar, often with incorrect company name or logo.
- Often fraudsters apply pressure for you to act quickly. Take your time learning and verifying the investment opportunity and the source. Go to official company websites including the Financial Conduct Authority register to confirm company details before directly contacting to confirm legitimacy.
Maintaining a safe and secure environment for our clients and members of public is our primary objective. Please exercise caution when receiving unexpected requests or communication. If in doubt, please contact us to confirm legitimacy.
What to look out for
Fraudulent Emails and Websites
Fraudsters are targeting members of the public with unsolicited emails, letters, calls, and text messages pretending to be from AXA Investment Managers UK. Often impersonating our employees and using illegitimate email addresses and websites. Most of these scams promote fraudulent investment bonds and other financial products. These bogus investments are frequently found on phoney comparison websites using online search engines.
The email addresses and domains used will often resemble our genuine details, but they are frequently misspelled.
Fraudsters continue to use misspelt variations of our official domains and email addresses to circulate scams. Below are some examples of email addresses / domains where fraudsters have used in the past claiming to be us:
- info@axaimclients.com
- @axa-im.info
- @axaimltd.com
- client-axa.com
- connect-aim.com
- axa-investment.trade/finance/
The UK regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), will publish notifications of clone websites, including fraudulent contact details to raise public awareness. This includes any cases which may impact our firm.
WhatsApp and other Social Medial Platforms
WhatsApp has increasingly been used by fraudsters impersonating AXA Investment Managers UK and its employees to promote fraudulent investment products. WhatsApp messages or group chats are used to lure unsuspecting victims through social media posts such as Facebook, or Instagram. Fraudsters will impersonate senior employees providing investment advice sometimes with the support of fake customers, to pressurise victims to invest promptly.
Fraudsters will often create social media profiles of friends or businesses which seem genuine to promote scams by posting adverts, testimonies, quizzes, or links to fake websites, which are designed to get you to hand over personal information or money.
AXA Investment Managers UK does not promote any of its products through social media or messaging services such as WhatsApp. If you have been targeted by scams like this, do not send any money and stop engaging with the fake contact.
What to look out for
Unsolicited communications (including, emails, letters, telephone calls, text messages or in person):
- The use of 'Dear Customer' instead of using your actual name.
- Spelling mistakes and poor grammar e.g., the use of symbols like apostrophes and semi-colons that look out of place.
- Use of language which suggests an urgency to act.
- Poor formatting of the text and the use of a distorted Company logo.
- Containing very little text in the actual email, just a hyperlink to a website.
- Using an image of text rather than text itself.
- AXA Investment Managers UK does not engage in any unexpected form of cold calling, and we will not request account or personal details including any form of payment over the phone.
- AXA Investment Managers UK will never hold in person meetings outside of its registered address or agree to do home visits.
Fraudulent Websites:
- Misspelt website addresses, similar to official webpages.
- Fraudsters will aim to get their cloned sites at the top of Google rankings, to increase exposure and mislead the public into thinking these are genuine websites due to ranking positions.
- Poor formatting of website texts, company logo and ability to navigate the page.
WhatsApp and Social Media:
- WhatsApp and social media messages including fake adverts which promise lucrative returns.
- Direct messages sent from unknown senders claiming to represent AXA Investment Managers UK.
- Being messaged or added to WhatsApp groups where you do not recognise individuals or mobile numbers which are typically international numbers.
- Redirection to fraudulent webpages or provision of fraudulent email addresses.
- Use of promotional materials fake adverts, some with the image of, for example the CEO and certificates.
- Poor formatting of the text and the use of a distorted Company logo.
Please note that fraudsters are always finding new ways to contact victims, and this should not be considered an exhaustive list. Always remain vigilant and verify any communication.
Fraudulent Emails and Websites
Fraudsters are targeting members of the public with unsolicited emails, letters, calls, and text messages pretending to be from AXA Investment Managers UK. Often impersonating our employees and using illegitimate email addresses and websites. Most of these scams promote fraudulent investment bonds and other financial products. These bogus investments are frequently found on phoney comparison websites using online search engines.
The email addresses and domains used will often resemble our genuine details, but they are frequently misspelled.
Fraudsters continue to use misspelt variations of our official domains and email addresses to circulate scams. Below are some examples of email addresses / domains where fraudsters have used in the past claiming to be us:
- info@axaimclients.com
- @axa-im.info
- @axaimltd.com
- client-axa.com
- connect-aim.com
- axa-investment.trade/finance/
The UK regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), will publish notifications of clone websites, including fraudulent contact details to raise public awareness. This includes any cases which may impact our firm.
WhatsApp and other Social Medial Platforms
WhatsApp has increasingly been used by fraudsters impersonating AXA Investment Managers UK and its employees to promote fraudulent investment products. WhatsApp messages or group chats are used to lure unsuspecting victims through social media posts such as Facebook, or Instagram. Fraudsters will impersonate senior employees providing investment advice sometimes with the support of fake customers, to pressurise victims to invest promptly.
Fraudsters will often create social media profiles of friends or businesses which seem genuine to promote scams by posting adverts, testimonies, quizzes, or links to fake websites, which are designed to get you to hand over personal information or money.
AXA Investment Managers UK does not promote any of its products through social media or messaging services such as WhatsApp. If you have been targeted by scams like this, do not send any money and stop engaging with the fake contact.
What to look out for
Unsolicited communications (including, emails, letters, telephone calls, text messages or in person):
- The use of 'Dear Customer' instead of using your actual name.
- Spelling mistakes and poor grammar e.g., the use of symbols like apostrophes and semi-colons that look out of place.
- Use of language which suggests an urgency to act.
- Poor formatting of the text and the use of a distorted Company logo.
- Containing very little text in the actual email, just a hyperlink to a website.
- Using an image of text rather than text itself.
- AXA Investment Managers UK does not engage in any unexpected form of cold calling, and we will not request account or personal details including any form of payment over the phone.
- AXA Investment Managers UK will never hold in person meetings outside of its registered address or agree to do home visits.
Fraudulent Websites:
- Misspelt website addresses, similar to official webpages.
- Fraudsters will aim to get their cloned sites at the top of Google rankings, to increase exposure and mislead the public into thinking these are genuine websites due to ranking positions.
- Poor formatting of website texts, company logo and ability to navigate the page.
WhatsApp and Social Media:
- WhatsApp and social media messages including fake adverts which promise lucrative returns.
- Direct messages sent from unknown senders claiming to represent AXA Investment Managers UK.
- Being messaged or added to WhatsApp groups where you do not recognise individuals or mobile numbers which are typically international numbers.
- Redirection to fraudulent webpages or provision of fraudulent email addresses.
- Use of promotional materials fake adverts, some with the image of, for example the CEO and certificates.
- Poor formatting of the text and the use of a distorted Company logo.
Please note that fraudsters are always finding new ways to contact victims, and this should not be considered an exhaustive list. Always remain vigilant and verify any communication.
What you can do
Below are some proactive steps you can take to protect yourself and keep your personal data safe:
Emails
- Never respond to emails asking for personal or financial information about yourself. AXA Investment Managers UK will not ask you for personal or financial information this way.
- Never reply to unexpected emails including those where you do not know the sender. Ensure that you refrain from opening attachments within these emails.
- Do not click on links within emails as they could take you to fraudulent websites instead type the address into your browser.
Websites
- Use the web address from official correspondence you have with the company and type it in yourself, rather than clicking on a link sent via email or other means.
- When you click through to a genuine site, you should also see a padlock symbol to the left-hand side of the address bar. The website the address should begin with “https” and the padlock symbol should be displayed.
- To verify the identity of an authorised firm, ask for its FRN (Firm Reference Number) and contact details. You can check if a financial services firm is authorised by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website (https://register.fca.org.uk). Always call the firms registered telephone number noted on the FCA register to confirm any product or service being sold to you.
WhatsApp and Social Media
- Use a strong and unique password for each social media account and ensure that it is long and contains numbers, letters and characters.
- Set up 2-step verification, also known as 2-factor authentication that gives you an extra level of protection by asking for more information to prove your identity.
- Social media privacy settings - make sure your privacy options are configured so that it’s only visible to the people you want to see it, for example only your friends.
- Check before you accept friends and follower.
- Be careful what you share online - try not to share too many personal details that a fraudster could use to build a picture of you. They can use facts such as your birthday, where you live, family relationships or pet names to steal your identity or make their fraud more convincing.
- Do not engage with unknown contacts, messages, group chats where you do not recognise individuals or mobile numbers via WhatsApp.
Always act with vigilance and with caution when receiving unexpected contact. If in doubt, please contact us.
Emails
- Never respond to emails asking for personal or financial information about yourself. AXA Investment Managers UK will not ask you for personal or financial information this way.
- Never reply to unexpected emails including those where you do not know the sender. Ensure that you refrain from opening attachments within these emails.
- Do not click on links within emails as they could take you to fraudulent websites instead type the address into your browser.
Websites
- Use the web address from official correspondence you have with the company and type it in yourself, rather than clicking on a link sent via email or other means.
- When you click through to a genuine site, you should also see a padlock symbol to the left-hand side of the address bar. The website the address should begin with “https” and the padlock symbol should be displayed.
- To verify the identity of an authorised firm, ask for its FRN (Firm Reference Number) and contact details. You can check if a financial services firm is authorised by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website (https://register.fca.org.uk). Always call the firms registered telephone number noted on the FCA register to confirm any product or service being sold to you.
WhatsApp and Social Media
- Use a strong and unique password for each social media account and ensure that it is long and contains numbers, letters and characters.
- Set up 2-step verification, also known as 2-factor authentication that gives you an extra level of protection by asking for more information to prove your identity.
- Social media privacy settings - make sure your privacy options are configured so that it’s only visible to the people you want to see it, for example only your friends.
- Check before you accept friends and follower.
- Be careful what you share online - try not to share too many personal details that a fraudster could use to build a picture of you. They can use facts such as your birthday, where you live, family relationships or pet names to steal your identity or make their fraud more convincing.
- Do not engage with unknown contacts, messages, group chats where you do not recognise individuals or mobile numbers via WhatsApp.
Always act with vigilance and with caution when receiving unexpected contact. If in doubt, please contact us.
How to report a scam
You should notify your bank immediately if you have sent any funds to fraudsters.
If you are based in the UK and have been impacted by fraud, please contact Action Fraud or your nearest police station.
If you are suspicious or have fallen victim to a fraud where our brand (AXA Investment Managers UK) has been impersonated, please contact: lonfinancialcrimeteam@axa-im.com. When contacting us please provide as much information as possible, this includes:
- Copies of any correspondence;
- Copies of any documentation that you were provided with; and
- Contact details of the fraudster etc.
If the fraud has taken place outside of the UK using AXA Investment Managers brand. Please follow the webpage link and find the relevant country or region locations website to report the fraud.
Recovery Fraud
Recovery fraud is when someone who has been a victim of fraud in the past is contacted again by fraudsters claiming to be from an agency that can help recover the money that was lost, however they will ask for a fee to get it back.
If you’ve been a victim in the past be mindful of fraud recovery scams and ensure you:
- Challenge any calls, letters, or emails from people you do not know or companies you’ve never contacted.
- If you are asked to pay, or give your bank account details, end all contact.
- Ask how they found out that you had been a victim. Any report of fraud is protected by law and cannot be shared with anyone else outside of law enforcement agencies.
Report to Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040. If you have given the fraudsters your bank account details, alert your bank immediately.
Past Fraud Cases
Impersonation Fraud /Clone firms
AXA Framlington Global Technology Fixed Rate Bond - October 2024
AXA Investment Managers UK (AXA IM UK) would like to warn the public and our clients of impersonation fraud and the fraudulent use of its name.
Unsolicited emails and calls circulating in the public domain impersonating AXA IM UK . The fraudulent commination is offering illegitimate Fix Rate Bonds under “AXA Framlington Global Technology Fund". Fixed Rate Bond” with the following rates:
- 1 Year Fixed Rate: 5.5%
- 3 Year Fixed Rate: 6.7%
- 5 Year Fixed Rate: 8.2%
The details used by fraudsters as of 24 October 2024:
- axabonds.com
- accounts@axabonds.com
- Tel : 0044 20 4525 4634 and 0044 20 3514 7032 and 001 561 908 6171.
Note: Fraudsters regularly change these details, if in doubt please immediately contact us.
AXA Sustainable 8.6% Fixed Rate Bond – September 2023
AXA IM would like to warn the public and our clients of impersonation fraud and fraudulent use of its name.
Unsolicited emails are circulating in the public domain impersonating AXA IM. The fraudulent emails contain illegitimate information on “AXA Sustainable 8.6% Fixed Rate Bond” which also includes a link to request a brochure.
Fraudulent details being used as of 26th September 2023:
- knowyoucan.co.uk@mail331.bms6.bmsend.com
- knowyoucan.co.uk@mail332.bms6.bmsend.com
- mail@knowyoucan.co.uk
Note: Fraudsters regularly change these details
One Year Fixed Rate Bond – Tesco PLC - June 2021
Fraudsters are falsely claiming to be AXA Investment Managers employees, Tesco PLC or Tesco Personal Finance offering a One Year Fixed Rate Bond with a rate of 3.919% pa.
Fraudulent website and email address/domains being used:
- www.tescofixedincome.com
- bondoffer@tescofixedincome.com
- @axa-fixedincome.com
Note: Fraudsters regularly change these details
Impersonation / cloned firms – AXA IM UK - Fixed Rate ISA Bond
Fraudsters are purporting to be employees of AXA IM UK and providing their details in the Top Wealth Bonds comparison website (https://www.topwealthbonds.com) or advertisements placed in the national press and on social media.
The FCA have published a warning regarding Top Wealth Bonds who they believe are providing financial services or products in the UK without their authorisation. These individuals are offering a Fixed Rate ISA Bond with rates of return increasing with the length of time that the Bond is held.
Fraudulent email address/domains being used:
- enquiry@private-axa.com
- legal@document-axa.com
- eqnuiry@privateretail-axa.com
- enquiry@privertretail-axa.com
Note: Fraudsters regularly change these details
AXA Framlington Global Technology Fixed Rate Bond - October 2024
AXA Investment Managers UK (AXA IM UK) would like to warn the public and our clients of impersonation fraud and the fraudulent use of its name.
Unsolicited emails and calls circulating in the public domain impersonating AXA IM UK . The fraudulent commination is offering illegitimate Fix Rate Bonds under “AXA Framlington Global Technology Fund". Fixed Rate Bond” with the following rates:
- 1 Year Fixed Rate: 5.5%
- 3 Year Fixed Rate: 6.7%
- 5 Year Fixed Rate: 8.2%
The details used by fraudsters as of 24 October 2024:
- axabonds.com
- accounts@axabonds.com
- Tel : 0044 20 4525 4634 and 0044 20 3514 7032 and 001 561 908 6171.
Note: Fraudsters regularly change these details, if in doubt please immediately contact us.
AXA Sustainable 8.6% Fixed Rate Bond – September 2023
AXA IM would like to warn the public and our clients of impersonation fraud and fraudulent use of its name.
Unsolicited emails are circulating in the public domain impersonating AXA IM. The fraudulent emails contain illegitimate information on “AXA Sustainable 8.6% Fixed Rate Bond” which also includes a link to request a brochure.
Fraudulent details being used as of 26th September 2023:
- knowyoucan.co.uk@mail331.bms6.bmsend.com
- knowyoucan.co.uk@mail332.bms6.bmsend.com
- mail@knowyoucan.co.uk
Note: Fraudsters regularly change these details
One Year Fixed Rate Bond – Tesco PLC - June 2021
Fraudsters are falsely claiming to be AXA Investment Managers employees, Tesco PLC or Tesco Personal Finance offering a One Year Fixed Rate Bond with a rate of 3.919% pa.
Fraudulent website and email address/domains being used:
- www.tescofixedincome.com
- bondoffer@tescofixedincome.com
- @axa-fixedincome.com
Note: Fraudsters regularly change these details
Impersonation / cloned firms – AXA IM UK - Fixed Rate ISA Bond
Fraudsters are purporting to be employees of AXA IM UK and providing their details in the Top Wealth Bonds comparison website (https://www.topwealthbonds.com) or advertisements placed in the national press and on social media.
The FCA have published a warning regarding Top Wealth Bonds who they believe are providing financial services or products in the UK without their authorisation. These individuals are offering a Fixed Rate ISA Bond with rates of return increasing with the length of time that the Bond is held.
Fraudulent email address/domains being used:
- enquiry@private-axa.com
- legal@document-axa.com
- eqnuiry@privateretail-axa.com
- enquiry@privertretail-axa.com
Note: Fraudsters regularly change these details
Contact us to report a scam
If you are concerned about any potential fraud in connection with AXA Investment Managers, please contact us directly using the below mentioned details; report to the FCA, Action Fraud or nearest police station.
Contact usDisclaimer
This marketing communication does not constitute on the part of AXA Investment Managers a solicitation or investment, legal or tax advice. This material does not contain sufficient information to support an investment decision.
Issued in the UK by AXA Investment Managers UK Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. Registered in England and Wales No: 01431068. Registered Office: 22 Bishopsgate London EC2N 4BQ
In other jurisdictions, this document is issued by AXA Investment Managers SA’s affiliates in those countries.
Risk Warning
The value of investments, and the income from them, can fall as well as rise and investors may not get back the amount originally invested.